Mabel’s BBQ Restaurant Review

:About the restaurant & décor: Food Network star and former co-host of ABC’s The Chew Michael Symon is behind Mabel's BBQ at Palms, a second location of his Cleveland restaurant. Décor features arched ceilings, exposed brick walls, an industrial ceiling and neon signage spelling out phrases such as “Eat More Meat.”

Likes: With brews from 15 Nevada breweries represented, Mabel’s BBQ ranks as one of the best places in Southern Nevada to sample local beer.Dislikes: Dessert is limited to only one option.

Food & Drinks: Three smokers are utilized to prepare authentic BBQ with options of beef brisket, kielbasa, turkey and pork belly served by the half pound; chicken, wings and spare ribs; pork belly tacos; brisket burrito; and pig parts, with choices of crispy tails, ears and cracklin’. The aptly named giant beef rib is easily large enough for two. Not-to-be-missed sides are hot greens with pork and smoked beets with horseradish. Three BBQ sauces made in-house are found on each table --- Carolina-style, Hatch Chili and Sweet & Sour --- and are scrumptious enough to enjoy by themselves. The beverage program includes 250 bourbons and more than 85 craft beers, several of which are from Nevada-based brewers. Dessert consists of Carter’s Ice Cream Sandwiches, using Symon’s favorite ice cream company out of Cincinnati, in flavors of vanilla, chocolate or blueberry with the ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies. A restaurant-within-a-restaurant is Sara’s, dubbed a “meateasy” with space for 54 diners, serving more upscale dishes such as prime rib, Peking duck, grilled lobster, raw bar items and table-sized desserts.